A True Hero: Andre Dawson

Who are the heroes of today?  A nationwide survey conducted in 2003 by the Barron Prize found that:

• “Only half of American teens have a hero.”
• “Of those teens who did name a well-known hero, more than half named a movie star, musician, or athlete.”
• “More than twice as many teens cited as their heroes Superman and Spiderman than cited Abraham Lincoln, Gandhi, or Martin Luther King, Jr.”
• “Apart from family members, only three women were cited as heroes, despite the fact that half the respondents were female.”

Who is a hero?  The late Christopher Reeve, who starred in several Superman movies, gave a memorable definition. “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

What do heroes have in common?  Listen to the comments made by today’s heroes – movie stars, musicians, or athletes.  Most often they talk about themselves – who they are, what they have, and why they are important.  This self-focused attitude is the exact opposite of what it means to be a hero.

True heroes display humility.  They deflect praise from themselves and make comments like, “I only did what anyone would do.”

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Andre Dawson is a former major league baseball player.  During his 21 year career, he was 1977 Rookie of the Year and 1987 National League Most Valuable Player.  An eight time all-star, he also won eight Gold Glove awards for outstanding defense.  He is one of only six players in the history of the major leagues to hit 300 home runs and steal 300 bases.  He retired in 1996 due to knee problems caused by playing on artificial surfaces.

At a 1992 fan convention, Andre Dawson took part in a question and answer session, “Just for Kids.”  A young boy asked him, “Mr. Dawson, I know your knees are bad, but is it true you plan to retire at the end of this season?” Dawson was silent for a long time.  Then he smiled at the young fan and said, “I’m not planning to retire anytime soon, son, but let’s make a deal.  I’ll keep wearing this uniform until you’re ready to take over for me.”

Andre Dawson was a hero to the young people in that audience.  He gave an answer a hero would give.  The young man who asked the question will never forget that moment.  The answer was modest and unassuming, yet powerful.  The response challenged the boy and the audience to consider the possibility of greatness.  Rather than focusing on self, the response uplifted others.

During a TV interview, a famous retired baseball player was asked, “Who was the best teammate you ever played with in the major leagues. Without hesitation the answer came back, “That’s easy. Andre Dawson.” In July 2010 Andre Dawson was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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